Coagulation and fibrinolysis in rheumatoid arthritis Part 1: Studies on coagulation and fibrinolysis in the synovial fluid and peripheral blood of rheumatoid patients

Coagulation and fibrinolysis were examined in the synovial fluid and peripheral blood of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The results are summarized as follows: 1. In the peripheral blood of RA patients, coagulation and secondary fibrinolysis were higher than in healthy controls. These findings seemed to be compatible with chronic DIC. 2. Fibrinolysis was present in the synovial fluid of RA and OA patients. A positive correlation was found between the degree of inflammation and fibrinolysis in the synovial fluid of RA. However, antiplasmin activities were simultaneously elevated so that fibrinolysis was depressed and fibrin formation became dominent. Thus, local fibrin deposition may develop.